Studio of Contemporary Architecture | SOCA

The Studio of Contemporary Architecture is a Toronto-based award-winning architecture and urban design studio that crafts sophisticated designs for individuals and communities to experience joy together. We are a full-service architecture practice registered in Ontario and are founded on the belief that architecture’s power lies in its ability to transform ideas into reality as we explore architecture's impact on culture, the environment and the shaping of cities. The studio is the recipient of the 2023 Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture, a travelling grant allowing the studio to explore sites of Black joy and community. We are a contributor to the Canadian Pavilion at the 2023 Venice Biennale of Architecture and were awarded the 2023 Emerging Architectural Practice Award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Our practice was listed in UK-based Wallpaper* Magazine’s 2021 directory of global emerging architectural talent and selected as one of twenty emerging practices in Canada by Twenty + Change and Canadian Architect.

Regardless of the scale, we are passionate about the positive impacts of quality design. The studio pays close attention to detail and rigorously strives for craftsmanship throughout all phases of design and construction. Understanding that architecture requires intimate collaboration, we always begin by asking questions, discussing ideas, and engaging our clients and all members of the project team to achieve design excellence.

The studio is led by Shane Laptiste and Tura Cousins Wilson, who have experience in residential, institutional, and civic architecture. Both Shane and Tura are founding members of BAIDA (Black Architects and Interior Designers Association).